Shakib and Miraz Unite to Keep Lahore’s Final Dream Alive

Despite Shakib’s quiet comeback, Lahore Qalandars strengthen squad with Mehidy ahead of must-win clash against Karachi Kings

Star Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returned to professional cricket after more than six months, but his comeback was far from ideal. Playing for Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing PSL 2025, Shakib was dismissed for a golden duck against Peshawar Zalmi, and remained wicketless with the ball, conceding 18 runs in his 2 overs.

Despite Shakib’s off-color performance, Lahore Qalandars secured a crucial 26-run win over Zalmi to confirm their place in the PSL playoffs. Ahead of the eliminator clash, Lahore have bolstered their squad further by signing another Bangladeshi all-rounder, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.

The Eliminator match will be played on May 22 at 9:00 PM Bangladesh Time, where Lahore Qalandars will take on David Warner’s Karachi Kings. A win will earn Lahore a spot in the Second Qualifier, while a loss will mean elimination from the tournament.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators, the top two teams on the points table, will face off in the First Qualifier on May 21 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The winner will book a direct ticket to the final, scheduled for May 25, while the loser will get a second shot in the Second Qualifier on May 23.

Lahore Qalandars finished the group stage with 11 points from 10 matches, securing fourth place on the points table. With both Shakib and Mehidy in the squad, fans are hopeful for a stronger all-round performance in the knockout stages.